The Cost of a Road Trip from Cape Coral, FL to Lyndhurst, NJ
As travel restrictions ease up, many people are looking forward to going on road trips. Be it for leisure or business, it's essential to plan your trip and budget accordingly, especially when it comes to fuel expenses. In this article, we'll discuss the cost of a road trip from Cape Coral, FL, to Lyndhurst, NJ, including different route options and their corresponding costs.
Route Options
There are three main routes when driving from Cape Coral, FL, to Lyndhurst, NJ, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Route 1: I-95 North
This route goes through some of the largest cities in the East Coast and offers a combination of scenic and urban driving experiences. This is the shortest route, covering a distance of about 1,270 miles and taking approximately 20 hours of driving time.
The route passes through major cities such as Jacksonville, FL; Savannah, GA; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia, PA. This route offers plenty of dining, shopping, and tourist attractions. However, it's also the most congested route and has tolls along the way.
Route 2: I-75 North and I-81 North
This route goes through the Appalachian region and offers picturesque views of the mountains and forests. It covers a distance of approximately 1,390 miles and takes around 22 hours of driving time.
The route passes through cities such as Atlanta, GA; Knoxville, TN; Roanoke, VA; and Harrisburg, PA. While the route is longer, it's less congested than I-95 and has fewer tolls.
Route 3: I-10 East, I-95 North, and I-287 East
This route goes through the southeastern coast and offers scenic views of the ocean and beaches. It covers a distance of approximately 1,460 miles and takes around 24 hours of driving time.
The route passes through cities such as Jacksonville, FL; Charleston, SC; Richmond, VA; New York City, NY; and Newark, NJ. The route has a mix of urban and suburban landscapes and provides plenty of tourist attractions. It also has fewer tolls than I-95.
Fuel Expenses
The fuel expenses of a road trip depend on multiple factors, such as the car's fuel efficiency, gas prices, route, and distance. The average fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan is 25 miles per gallon (MPG), and the gas prices as of August 2021 are around $3.15 per gallon.
To calculate the fuel expense of the road trip, we can use the following formula:
Fuel expense = (Distance รท Fuel efficiency) x Gas prices
Here's a breakdown of the estimated fuel expenses for each route:
Route 1: I-95 North
- Distance: 1,270 miles
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Gas prices: $3.15 per gallon
- Estimated fuel expenses: $161.28
Route 2: I-75 North and I-81 North
- Distance: 1,390 miles
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Gas prices: $3.15 per gallon
- Estimated fuel expenses: $177.12
Route 3: I-10 East, I-95 North, and I-287 East
- Distance: 1,460 miles
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Gas prices: $3.15 per gallon
- Estimated fuel expenses: $186.48
It's worth noting that these are estimated fuel expenses based on current gas prices and a mid-size sedan's fuel efficiency. Actual expenses may differ depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
Other Expenses
In addition to fuel expenses, a road trip also incurs other expenses such as tolls, accommodations, dining, and activities. Here are some estimated costs to consider:
Tolls: For Route 1, estimated toll expenses are around $83.65; for Route 2, around $34.90; for Route 3, around $64.95.
Accommodations: Depending on budget and preferences, accommodations can range from $50 to $300 per night.
Dining: Depending on the restaurant and meal, dining expenses can range from $5 to $50 per person.
Activities: Depending on the activity and location, expenses can range from free to $100 per person.
It's essential to plan and budget accordingly to avoid overspending and financial strain during the trip.
Recommended Route
Based on distance, fuel expenses, and other expenses, Route 2: I-75 North and I-81 North, seems to be the most cost-efficient option. It's also less congested and has fewer tolls than Route 1. However, if scenic views and tourist attractions are a priority, Route 3: I-10 East, I-95 North, and I-287 East may be a better option despite its slightly higher fuel and toll expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from Cape Coral, FL, to Lyndhurst, NJ, offers various route options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The estimated fuel expenses for the trip range from $161 to $186, and other expenses such as tolls, accommodations, dining, and activities should also be considered and budgeted. Based on distance and expenses, Route 2: I-75 North and I-81 North, is the most cost-efficient option. However, other factors such as scenic views and tourist attractions should also be considered before deciding on the final route. On average, the trip takes around 22 to 24 hours of driving time. Happy travels!